That's what I'm thinking. People will see the signs and go, "Naaah, they're not here, they won't know!" But if they know they're being watched, they're a lot more hesitant to do something they know they shouldn't.

That's what I was thinking, ND. They don't necessarily have to on to scare people away, they just need to think that they're on and I can see what they're doing. There's no internet or power source out by his paddock, either.

Thinking out of the box a bit here compared to other replies, but if the majority of these visitors are storage unit patrons, could you talk to the owner of the storage unit about it? Maybe he/she could attach a memo with their monthly bill asking patrons to please respect the wishes of the neighboring stable, and not pet or feed the horses. Perhaps even note that the stable offers lessons starting at x age and if you'd like to learn more or take riding lessons, to call them.

You could do that, in addition to putting signs up. Personally, I would not have my horse in a paddock that accessible to random people. I had a mare who was allergic to carrots, I had a sign on her stall stating that, but there was always one lady who would still feed her. Not saying your horse is allergic, but just the thought of someone feeding something I didn't ok first irks me! Ignorance is not an excuse, they don't know if your horse has to be on a special diet, has metabolic issues (doubtful at his age, but bear with me) or other reasons not to be given lush green grass or treats. I'd be moving him to the back pasture sooner rather than later, out of sight out of mind.

I don't think it's storage people that are visiting him. They come, pet on him, and then leave. It's not a "Oh, let's pet the pony on the way to our storage unit" situation. At least, not from what I've seen. Our stable doesn't give lessons either haha. We're just a quiet little barn where we board our horses.

But like I said earlier, it's the only paddock available as all the others are rented. I really don't think it's fair that people are able to rent multiple paddocks, so they really have no room to complain that he is in the "sick" paddock. I would love to get him moved to the back pasture ASAP. But, I'm not going to turn him out there alone or with a 3 foot fence he could jump and potentially get hung up in. So I'll have to resort to signs and a camera of some sort until the fence is fixed and our pony gets moved out there. As soon as we get our income taxes back, I'll definitely be loaning my dad the funds to do so. Off topic, but he's getting enough back to resurrect our truck!! <3 No more having to worry about bumming rides when I have to haul Henny somewhere muahaha.

Telling a non horse person a horse is allergic to something could very well entice them to try it to see what happens.

Ya, I was not talking about a lengthy sign explaining about all the things that could go wrong if you feed a horse something, I was talking about a sign saying something like "DO NOT PET OR FEED ME!" as OP is planning on putting up anyway, from her posts, something easy to understand, short, and to the point... My comment regarding allergies was only MY personal experience with my horse who was allergic... and signs obviously didn't do much help there. Luckily, the BO in my case was quick and willing to enforce anything that would cause a horse, or human, harm.

URG! I hate when people come through and they stop and take pics of my horses!!! On MY property!!! Just because I live on an old dirt road, a mile and a half from the daggon wind mills, doesn't give them any reason to stop and take pics of my horses, I don't care how beautiful it is!!! ASK FIRST!!!
I always loved how my husband cousins (they have like 6 kids), and all their kids are like can we ride the horse, can we pet the horse...can we this....can we that....bla bla bla....Well one day I was stacking hay in the barn, and I walk over to my house and see them there, and their daggone kids are in my pasture!!!! Ok I just flipped out!!! I told them, and their parents to stay out of the fields, unless you never wanted to come back to my house again. I had 2 coming yearlings in the pasture, with my aged gelding, a mare who bit, one who kicked, and another who didn't care about anything, and a gelding who spooked at everything and would run as if his life depended on it. I was waiting on one of the kids to touch the fence...since it's really really hot.

Personally I would be there and try to catch each and every person who stopped and talk to them, and explain things, if that doesn't work, i'd put up signs and a game cam, down load the pics take them to the police station have them run the photos through their computer, and get their info, and send them a letter or drop in and talk to them about trespassing on the BO property, and fooling with your horse. If that doesn't work, i'd talk to the BO and put up and electric fence on the inside and outside of his fence, for the time being until he's moved into his new pasture....
Maybe i'm going a little extreme here huh?? LOL
Since I live in the middle of nowhere and am a housewife/farm worker/owner....i can stay at home and sit in the pasture with a lawn chair and a gun LOL

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